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FSSAI Certification for Food Businesses
Get to know all the required FSSAI certificate for food businesses
Includes a clear outline on FSSAI certification
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Overview of FSSAI Certification for Food Businesses
- The FSSAI certification is crucial for food business operators (FBOs) in India. The cost depends on the type and size of the business. FBOs need to submit documents and pass inspections conducted by Food safety officers.
- FSSAI certification process requires the FBO to submit identity proofs, address proofs, and business registration documents on the FSSAI online portal. The certificate is provided after through scrutiny and inspection. Applicants can download their FSSAI certificate directly from the FSSAI portal. This serves as proof of compliance with food safety regulations and is essential for operating legally in the food industry. FBOs can also check the status of their certificate application online using the certificate number provided during the application process.
Introduction to FSSAI Certification
- As per the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, under Section 16(3)(h), the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, FSSAI, is subject to providing training programs and certifications in food safety and standards for individuals who conduct food businesses or intend to get expertise in food science, whether as food business operators or employees. July 2017 saw the launch of the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) program by FSSAI. The FoSTaC program focuses on the FSSAI certification process to create food safety supervisors who are well trained in food hygiene and manufacturing practices.
- The outline of the program was created with the objective of enhancing the availability of skilled and trained manpower in the food industry and creating an improved ecosystem where individuals continue to be self-reliant and self-compliant with the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. It was launched to make sure that the individuals involved in the food business are aware of the rules and regulations and to bring about behavioural change and a culture of food safety in the country.
Understanding Different Types of FSSAI Certifications
Apart from outlining the criteria for FSSAI registration (central and state licenses), they also initiate certificates for the food safety and standard license and registration regulations of 2011. According to the schedule, a group of subject matter experts encompassing the whole food value chain have started 25 certification courses on food safety compliance. The structure of the certification course is primarily classified into three stages, namely basic, advanced, and awareness.
The basic courses cover: Manufacturing, distribution and retail, storage and transportation, and catering are all included in this course. Level 1 bakery, midday meals, and integrated child development services are further subdivided under chartering.
The advanced courses cover: Catering, retail and distribution, storage and transport, manufacturing, along with the point of sale of health supplements, the manufacturing of milk-related products, animal meat and meat products.
The program covers the production, storage, and transportation of alcoholic beverages; edible oils and fats; packaged water and water-based beverages; fish and fish products; poultry, meat, and other products; and organic food products. It also covers level 2 courses in baking. The awareness program provides insights into startup courses, street food vending, and COVID-19 outlines.
Here is a complete outline of the courses and the duration:
- Basic Catering covers General and COVID with a course duration of 4 hours.
- Basic Catering covers Integrated Child Development Services and COVID, with a course duration of 4 hours
- Basic Catering covers midday Mid and COVID with a course duration of 4 hours
- Basic Catering covers Bakery Level 1 and COVID with a course duration of 4 hours
- Basic Manufacturing, covering General and COVID, with a course duration of 4 hours
- Basic Retail and Distribution, covering General and COVID, with a course duration of 4 hours
- Basic Storage and Transport, covering General and COVID, with a course duration of 4 hours
- Advance Catering covers General and COVID with a course duration of 8 hours
- Advance Manufacturing covers General and COVID with a course duration of 8 hours
- Advance Manufacturing covers milk and milk products and COVID, with a course duration of 12 hours
- Advance Manufacturing covers animal meat, meat products, and COVID with a course duration of 8 hours
- Advance Manufacturing covers poultry meat, meat products, and COVID with a course duration of 8 hours
- Advance Manufacturing covers fish and fish products and COVID with a course duration of 8 hours
- Advance Manufacturing covers packaged water, water-based beverages, and COVID with a course duration of 8 hours
- Advance Manufacturing covers Bakery Level 2 and COVID with a course duration of 8 hours
- Advance Manufacturing covers edible oils and fats and COVID with a course duration of 8 hours
- Advance Manufacturing covers health supplements, nutraceuticals, and COVID with a course duration of 8 hours
- Advance Manufacturing covers alcoholic beverages and COVID with a course duration of 8 hours
- Advance Manufacturing covers organic food products and COVID with a course duration of 8 hours
- Advance Retail and Distribution, covering General and COVID, with a course duration of 8 hours
- Advance Retail and Distribution covers the point of sale of health supplements and COVID with a course duration of 8 hours
- Advance Storage and Transport covers General and COVID with a course duration of 8 hours
- Awareness covering COVID-19 (integrated with all the basic and advanced courses as well) with a course duration of 2 hours
- Awareness covering street food vending with a course duration of 4 hours
- Awareness covering the Start-up Course (self-learning) Duration not specified
The Application Process for FSSAI Certification
The certification program is delivered in a cascade fashion. To begin, the trainers are trained by exceptional national resource individuals, and then the trainers go on to train hundreds of food safety supervisors. After that, food handlers receive direct training from the food safety supervisor on the food business premises.
The application has to be filled out on the official website of FoSTaC. Post-registration, the individual is provided with a valid FoSTaC certificate issued directly under the FSSAI. As required by Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses Regulation, 2011, they will be referred to as food safety supervisors and trained in hygienic and good practices that must be adhered to by all operators of food businesses.
Eligibility for FoSTaC Courses
The overall eligibility criteria differs based on the level of the courses. Here is a complete outline of the same:
For Basic and Awareness Courses
- In the case of food handlers, supervisors or other individual employees involved in petty food businesses, they must pass out of class 5 and don't require any prior experience
- For students and others who are planning to initiate a food business, education in the relevant field, along with 10th and +2 past certificates in a science background, is a must
- No relevant experience is required for the basic and awareness courses.
For Advanced and Sector-specific Courses
Food handlers or supervisors and individuals employed in food businesses having a state or central license and planning to apply for sector-specific courses on high-risk foods such as milk, meat, and water should satisfy the following criteria:
- A degree in science with a focus on chemistry, biochemistry, food and nutrition, microbiology, or food technology is required of the applicant
- dairy technology, oil technology, veterinary science, dairy microbiology, dairy chemistry, dairy engineering, hotel management, catering technology, or any other degree or diploma that is comparable in any other field that is relevant to the needs of the business
- The degree or diploma should be from a recognised university institute or equivalent, with one year of experience in a supervisory role.
Students and other individuals planning to initiate a food business and apply for advanced and sector-specific courses should satisfy the following eligibility criteria:
- The applicant should have completed or should be pursuing a final year of graduation in science, nutrition, hospitality, biochemistry, microbiology, diary chemistry, oil, veterinary hotel management, catering technology, or a diploma in another discipline related to the specific requirements
- The diploma and degree should be from a recognised university institute or other allied field
- They should have exposure to industrial training or experience of at least 6 weeks in the relevant sector based on the course they choose.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
The first step is to register yourself as a trainee on the official website.
Step 1: Visit the official website of FoSTaC
- Browse for how I will become a train food safety supervisor
- Select the Register as a trainee option. Now a trainee registration form opens
- Enter your name, gender, parents name, district, city, email, mobile number, and date of birth
- Select the criteria, whether it is with or without a license, enter the business address and state pin code, and choose the ID type
- Subsequently, add your qualifications. Solve the captcha and click register.
Step 2: login with an ID and Password
- After registration, a user ID and password are provided on the registered mail address
- You can login as a normal user or as a state administrator, enter the credentials, resolve the captcha, and click login.
Note: Some user IDs and passwords can be used for both the old and new portals. In cases of technical issues, some can only be used on the new portal. In this case, it is highly requested to create a new account under the new portal. Data before launching the new portal is saved and usually available in the old portal.
Step 3: Enrol in a FoSTaC Course
After logging into the portal, select the required information, choose the course, and enrol. The next step is to attend the FoSTaC training, submit the assessment and feedback form, and post-assessment, a food safety supervisor certificate will be provided.
Documentation and Requirements
The following documents have to be submitted by the applicant to register for a course in FoSTaC:
- A photo of the applicant
- Government-issued photo IDs such as AADHAAR, PAN, and voter ID
- Proof of Address of Business Activity (if address is other than as mentioned in Photo ID Card)
FoSTaC: FSSAI's Training and Certification Program
Food safety training, certificate training, and capacity-building programs launched by FSSAI specifically for food business operators, individuals, and students intending to make their mark in the food industry.
The main objective of the program is to create a pool of food safety supervisors who will analyse food hygiene and manufacturing processes as per the requirements outlined in the food safety and standard licensing and registration of food businesses in 2011.
The food safety supervisor certificate is also issued to the applicants after they complete the courses. Food handlers can also complete the FoSTaC training program. The FSS certificate issued to the food handler is valid for two years if there is no change in the type of business the food handler conducts.
Benefits of Obtaining FSSAI Certification
FoSTaC training and certification provide multiple advantages for food business owners, students, and individuals intending to enter the food business. Here is a complete outline for the same.
Advantages of FoSTaC Training For Food Business Owners
- Improves the availability of skilled manpower in the food industry
- Certified food safety supervisors ensure better implementation of Schedule 4 requirements of the food safety and standards regulation in the food business
- This in turn reduces the non-compliance of FBO during regulatory inspection
- Proper training can also be useful for making sure that FSSAI regulatory requirements are met
- Effectively reduces issues related to pre-audit and audit operations
- Improves self-compliance with FSSAI Schedule 4 requirements
- FoSTaC training helps to avoid legal action, consumer complaints, regulatory officials, and food authority complaints
- It helps to build confidence among consumers in food safety and maintain hygiene in the food business
- Improves food business profit
Advantages of FoSTaC Training for Food Handlers
- Improves knowledge in the food safety field
- Boost the worth and efficiency of the food industries
- It aids in the improvement of food safety and quality assurance skills
- Provides an opportunity to promote leadership qualities among food handlers.
Advantages of FoSTaC Training for Students and Other Individuals
- Ads value to the individual's skill set
- Improves the employability of individuals in the food sector
- Expands understanding of food safety
- Meets the need in the food industry for competent food handlers.
Renewal and Compliance
FSSAI license renewal and registration are crucial to staying compliant with FSSAI. To initiate the renewal process, there are two methods available: Through login and via the homepage. Here is a detailed process of the same:
Through Login:
Alternatively, you can do it on the Homepage by following these steps:
Please note:
FAQs with Answers for FSSAI Certification
What is FSSAI Certification and why is it important for food businesses?
Who needs FSSAI Certification and what are the types?
How do I apply for FSSAI Certification?
What documents are required for FSSAI Certification?
What is the FoSTaC program and who should attend it?
What are the benefits of having FSSAI Certification?
How often do I need to renew my FSSAI Certification?
What happens if I don't comply with FSSAI regulations after getting certified?
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